The next chapter of life!

A FEW years ago the title of this blog should have changed from 50+ and running to 60+ and running!   But I think the time for change is here, especially as due to work commitments have left the site distinctly neglected.   Why the change?   Retirement!

All of the people who started working with me have now left, leaving me as the last man standing, sadly a few didn't make it to retirement, so I feel privileged to have done so.

The last working day was due to me being the only person in my role on duty, which meant I couldn't take the day off, and as expected it was a Saturday!   It was an interesting day full of banners, balloons, and food.   I got through the day as planned, but got floored at the end as everybody stood up and applauded when I left the room for the last time, that's nearly 90 people.

Leaving does make you think about your career, I have been in the job for 32 years and there has been a lot in my life over that period of time.    Professionally, there is a lot to be proud of, and I will be taking those memories with me, all of the challenges, achievements and some of the things that have occurred that you didn't plan for, otherwise known as the unintended consequences!

I had to complete the obligatory "exit interview", handing back my uniform, laptop, mobile phone and pass!   All of which makes you feel odd on your last few days, dressing differently and not having my normal presentation for the Daily Management Meeting.  I got the obligatory quick photo against the wall of the Command Team office which was put on the boards for everybody to see. 

I have suddenly realised how many of my routines and behaviors are based around working, 12 hour shifts  with little time between them to do anything.   Having to rewrite them and understanding what people mean by "the weekend".   But the time has come, do I have a retirement plan?   Yes I plan on running!

 Not just running but keeping fit and active in the process.    From here on it's about keeping fit and mobile, later in life and running to maintain that for as long as possible.

I have updated my mental health training, welfare office forum and attended an EA Development Day at Birmingham.   I have also joined the Green Space Team (more about that later).  So, I have been busy networking and doing what I want to do. 

 T shirt opposite is available from "Etsy", just in case you wondered!

I want to try and keep this up to date, I already have more stories, written and being worked on aiming to publish on Sundays.